Kuchipudi is a Classical Indian dance from Andhra Pradesh, India. It is popular all over South India. Kuchipudi dance derives its name from the village Kuchelapuram in the Divi Taluka of Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, 32 miles from Vijaywada and was named after the resident Brahmins practicing this traditional dance form.
About Kuchipudi performance:
Kuchipudi performance usually begins with some stage rites, after which each of the characters come on to the stage and introduces herself with a dharavu (a small composition of both song and dance) to introduce the identity, set the mood, of the character in the drama. The drama then begins. Kuchipudi dance is accompanied by song which is typically Carnatic music ie. Karna?aka sa?gita or Karna?aka sa?gitam is a system of music commonly associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent. The singer is accompanied by mridangam (a classical South Indian percussion instrument), violin, flute and the tambura (a drone instrument with strings which are plucked). Ornaments worn by the artists are generally made of a lightweight wood called Boorugu. It originated in the seventh century.
Kuchipudi is a dance of fast rhythmic footwork and sculpturesque body movements. Stylized mine, hand gestures and subtle facial expression combined with realistic acting along with occasional dialogues spoken by the dancers. Kuchipudi is a performance of a dance drama. Kuchipudi is the unique dance among the Indian classical dances. Kuchipudi performances are done either in Solo or in groups with several dancers taking different roles. The theme of Kuchipudi dance is mostly based on scriptures and mythology. Another unique feature of Kuchipudi is the Tarangam, in which the performer dances on the edges of a brass plate, executing complicated rhythmic patterns with dexterity, while sometimes also balancing a pot of water on the head.
Style of Kuchipudi:
Kuchipudi dancers are quicksilver and sparkling, while dancing the position of their legs is rounded and fleet-footed, they perform with grace and fluid movements. Kuchipudi dance shares many common elements with Bharatanatyam. In its solo exposition Kuchipudi numbers include 'jatiswaram' and 'tillana' whereas in nrityam it has several lyrical compositions reflecting the desire of a devotee to merge with God. There are certain types of dances that are unique to Kuchipudi: Specifically there is the Tarangam which is unique, in that the dancer holds a plate with two diyas (small oil-burning candles) in her hands while balancing a "kindi" (small vessel) containing water.
Kuchipudi dance styles in the state are based on the standard treatises, Abhinaya Darpana and Bharatarnava of Nandikeshwara, which is sub-divided into Nattuva Mala and Natya Mala. Nattuva Mala is of two types — the Puja dance performed on the Balipitha in the temple and the Kalika dance performed in a Kalyana Mandapam. Natya Mala is of three kinds — ritual dance for gods, Kalika dance for intellectuals and Bhagavatam for common place. The Natya Mala is a dance-drama performed by a troupe, consisting only of men, who play feminine roles. Vachika abhinaya (use of words/dialogues) is also a special feature of the Kuchipudi style.